GHS netters struggle vs. opponents
By DELBERT PETERS
Contributing writer
Last Tuesday, Goessel traveled to Peabody in non-league action to face Berean and Peabody. Goessel took control of the match against Berean and finished ahead in two games 25-17, 25-13. Ashley Ensz dominated at the net, Brittany Goerzen served well and Felicia Goertzen did a good job passing. In the final match, Peabody took charge and handed the Bluebirds a loss 25-15, 25-17.
Coach Banman was impressed with the left side hitting of Sarah Unruh and Brianna Unrau. Jessica Schroeder and Brittany Voth played well in the back row, Allison Banman was perfect serving and Kory Hiebert and Ensz played strong at the net. Goessel had defeated Berean last week and had lost to Peabody earlier in the season.
Since Goessel finished ninth in the Heart of America League, they were the host team for the consolation bracket of the league tournament.
In pool play, Goessel breezed past Central Christian 25-13,25-6. The Bluebirds sat out a match and then faced Berean, with the winner taking first in pool play and earning a bye in bracket play. Goessel struggled with passing as Berean took a 5-0 lead. With Brianna Unrau and Felicia Goertzen serving, Goessel was able to tie the game at 12-12. The Warriors built another five point lead 16-21 and then rode their momentum to a victory by a score of 25-18.
In the second game, Goessel jumped out to an 8-2 lead but lost their poise as Berean tied the game at 9-9. Allison Banman served an ace, giving the Bluebirds a 14-10 lead, but again Berean was able to tie the game at 17-17 and then played well enough to beat the Bluebirds for the first time this season 25-22.
Goessel moved to bracket play against Canton-Galva. The Bluebirds were able to gain a 14-8 advantage, but the Eagles got within one point 23-22 before the home team ended the game 25-22 on an Ensz spike. In game two, Goessel had to come from an 8-9 deficit and with Felicia Goertzen, Brittany Goerzen and Sarah Unruh each serving aces, the Bluebirds jumped to a 20-12 lead and then coasted to a 25-18 final score.
Goessel jumped out ahead of Ell-Saline 10-6 in the junior high gym, but the Cardinals gradually took advantage of Bluebird miscues to win game one 25-20. Ell-Saline scored five points in a row to take an 8-4 lead, and then neither team could score points in a succession as a margin of five points separated the teams most of the game, forcing a Goessel time out with the score of 16-21. The frustrated Bluebirds could not shut down the Cardinals and lost 17-25 to finish their day. Goessel finishes this week with an overall record of 14-18.
Goessel hosted the 1A Regional on Tuesday and faced Chase in the first match. Two wins for the Bluebirds will put them in the finals and allow them to go on to Sub State at Pratt Skyline on Saturday.
